Andy Murray fuels Nick Kyrgios ‘Australian Open favourite’ talk but issues a warning
The former World No.1 was complementary of the Australian star and believes he has what it takes to win the Australian Open this year
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Andy Murray and Nick Kyrgios
Former World No. 1 Andy Murray believes old training partner Nick Kyrgios can break Australia’s 47-year wait for a homegrown men’s singles Australian Open champion but warns him that achieving that will not be easy. The Scot stated that Kyrgios’ brilliant runs at all the Majors last year gave him the experience and momentum to be a contender for this Australian Open.
Murray mentioned that Kyrgios’ doubles win at the 2022 Australian Open and his run to the Wimbledon final mean he has emerged as one of the favorites in Melbourne. He was also impressed with Kyrgios’ US Open run. Murray hoped Kyrgios had prepared well, believing he had everything to win the Grand Slam title.
“Last year he won the doubles here and then had a great run at Wimbledon as well. He was really close and he wasn’t that far away at the US Open either. He’s been knocking on the door the past couple of Slams and hopefully he has a good preparation and everything to give himself the best chance,” Murray said. “He can do it but it’s not going to be easy.”
Kyrgios has not played a competitive match since October and is recovering from an injury. Regardless, his tendency to come alive at the Grand Slam tournaments means he enters as one of the favorites. The 27-year-old has stated that his goal for 2023 is to win his first Grand Slam title. The Canberra native will face friend Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match on Friday as he looks to get his fitness back.
Murray’s backing added to the excitement around Kyrgios at this year’s Australian Open. His performances last season justified the optimism, and expectations have risen among Australians. Ash Barty’s 2022 Australian Open win ended a 44-year wait for a local Slam champion and left fans hungry for more. Kyrgios hopes to go all the way this time, having come close to winning last year’s Wimbledon.
Related: WHY NOT! Nick Kyrgios fancies his chances at Aus Open
Andy Murray helped save Kyrgios’ life!
Andy Murray played a part in bringing Nick Kyrgios out of his worst life phase. The Australian has admitted that he lost his way after he burst onto the scene at 19. He has revealed that he suffered depression due to the weight of the pressure on him to be Australia’s next great sports star.
During this period, Murray and Kyrgios used to train together. Murray saw evidence of self-harm in Kyrgios during one of these sessions and alerted Kyrgios’ manager about it. This information reached Kyrgios’ mother, who confronted him about it. Kyrgios wasn’t willing to discuss it at the time.
However, Kyrgios has come out on the winning side of his mental health battle. He stated that he is happier than he has ever been. He credits his family, team, and girlfriend for putting him in a spot to enjoy and concentrate on his tennis. This happiness and confidence have led him to aim higher than ever and set the goal of a Grand Slam title victory.
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Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)